Benefit Of SC Judgment On Extension Of Limitation During COVID-19 Can't Be Granted On Mere Asking, Especially When Party Is In Default: Allahabad HC

The Allahabad High Court ruled that the extension of limitation due to COVID-19 is not automatic under Section 37 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, requiring specific justification for delays. The case involved a dispute over the timeliness of an arbitration appeal filed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court held that while the Supreme Court had extended limitation periods due to the pandemic, each case must be evaluated on its own merits to determine if the delay is justified. This ruling emphasizes the need for specific reasons to justify delays in arbitration proceedings.